Climb the Belvedere Cliff

Translating to ‘beautiful to see’, this wonderful white limestone cliff in Nago features forty-eight scenic climbing routes divided into two sections. The lower crag is easier to climb, but head upwards to the next bluff to take on some more challenging verticals. With more and more climbers catching onto this beautiful spot, you might want to visit in the spring or autumn to avoid the summer crowds (and heat!).

Hike Monte Baldo

A ride on the cable car from Malcesine takes you up to scenic mountainside with footpaths of different lengths and difficulties. For seasoned hikers, the 9km tour of the Mont Baldo peaks is a must. It leads from the cable car station, along the mountain ridge, then to the Telegrafo, Poette, Longino and Valdritta peaks – all over 2,000m high and incredible vantage points from which to admire the stunning surrounding scenery.

Cycle the Ponale Path

This is Giro d’Italia country, and whether it be roads, lakesides, riversides or mountains, the cycling is nothing short of spectacular. Garda Trentino’s Old Ponale trail is, in the words of SNO, ‘quite possibly the best bike ride on earth’. The iconic trail features bends, tunnels, heart-racing cliffside stretches and fabulous panoramic views, so get on your bike and don't miss this absolute must-ride for keen cyclists.

Windsurf in Torbole

Constant, steady winds and incredible mountain landscapes make the northern part of Lake Garda what Windsurf Magazine calls ‘Europe’s most popular freshwater windsurfing venue’. And for good reason! The colourful town of Torbole hosts international regattas from its shore, which is dotted with surf centres including Lido Blu, Shaka and Surf Segnana. They offer courses for kids, beginners and every other level as well as gear hire, making it a breeze to get kitted out and head for the water.

Soak in the Sirmione spas

The best action-packed days have blissfully relaxing endings, and a sunset session in Sirmione’s thermal baths provides just that. Local hot springs provide mineral rich water at a bath-like 69 degrees, whose healing properties have been touted for centuries. Terme di Sirmione has excellent facilities, with everything from swimming pools and saunas, to beauty treatments and even medical consults. Plus, some of the bigger hotels even have their own baths.

Take a boat trip around the sights

There’s a lot to see around Italy’s largest lake, and what better way to take it all in than from the water? Boat companies like Bee Boat Service operate out of all the main towns, offering private hire, charter and ticketed tours. You’ll pass castles, palazzos, villas, cliffs and vividly colourful lake villages along the way as you make the most of the spectacular lake setting.

Drink local wine

Lake Garda’s greatest thirst-quenchers are its wines, which Jancis Robinson praises as ‘delicious summer drinking’. Bardolino is the vino capital, where The Zeni Winery dates back to 1870. You’ll find its Bardolino and Chiaretta served, slightly chilled, in most bars and restaurants. The winery itself has a shop and museum, and puts on tastings where you can try their red, white and rosé creations and discover your new favourite wine.

Paddleboard along the shore

One activity that’s soared in popularity over recent years is paddle-boarding, which Lake Garda may as well have been made for. Companies like Wwwind in Malcesine and Garda SUP Zone in Peschiera offer rentals and tours, letting you paddle past rugged mountainsides, flowery promenades and historic buildings and bridges. This chilled-out way or exploring the lake is great for when you want a well-earned break from the higher octane activities on offer around Lake Garda.

Drive the Strada della Forra

The Strada della Forra (or ‘street of the gorge’), which Winston Churchill declared the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, never ceases to wow. It starred in the James Bond film ‘Quantum of Solace’ and DB5 or not, it’s worth hiring some wheels just to drive it. Expect eye wateringly sharp zig zags, hold-your-breath-narrow tunnels and all-round astounding scenery.

Leap into lidos

It gets hot here in the summer, and there’s no better way to cool down than plunging into the crystal-clear waters of the lake. You’re never too far from a lido, beach or jetty to dive in from around here, so take your pick! We recommend backstroke so that you can soak up the views while you swim.